Today we're here to talk about a sewing tool I didn't use for a lot of time (my mom still looks at me weird when I say I'm not using pins… whaaat?):

Pattern Weights

What are pattern weights? Exactly what their name says!

They can be any heavy object, better if not too fragile or spiky, absolutely not sphere-shaped 🙂

They are used, just like pins, to keep the pattern pieces stuck to the fabric while you cut it, to make sure you're cutting as accurate as you can.

Let me show you my unconventional pattern weights:

You can see I use almost anything to weight down my paper pattern pieces: I have a DIY hubby who made me some cool metal chunks, but I often use beer cans, cat food, soy beans filled jars, rolls of elastic, stones, grandma's cutlery silverware, food tins, drinking glasses…… as I said: anything goes!

I often say I should make some cute ones like the ones listed down below but… too many things to do and not enough time is my mantra!

Pattern weights Pros Vs. Pins

much faster to put on and to remove

making little adjustments (like when you are aligning your pattern to the fabric grainline) is easier and faster

they don't leave holes on the pattern pieces, making them last longer

they don't leave marks on delicate fabrics

they don't bunch the fabric as pins do, making easier for you to cut fabric true to the pattern piece

you can't ruin your scissors blade by accidentally trying to cut pins

Pattern weights Cons Vs. Pins

they work best paired with rotary cutter and mat: sometimes it's hard to slip the scissors below the fabric and still keep pattern weights holding the pattern down!

… I really can't find other Cons… can you spot others? Please add your experience in the comments section!

A couple of side notes about pattern weights:

Depending on the pattern (simple shape or full of details) and the fabric (thin slippery jersey vs. stable quilting cotton) I'm using, I sometimes decide to place all the pattern pieces on the fabric and then pin them all around before I cut them.

This make the process faster, because I can rapidly check that I have enough fabric for my project (really useful when you're refashioning old clothes instead of buying yardages from the bolt!), then go ahead to accurately transfer marking to the fabric.

When I need to trace darts or other marks, I prefer having my pattern pieces perfectly attached to the fabric, until I'm done.

No-sew ideas to make your pattern weights

Before we start: each pattern weight link will take you to the original ‘Pin'.
This is so you can follow through to read them now, if you like, or re-pin them if you prefer to check them later.

Cool and embellished with a reverse applique these pattern weights may be a cool handmade gift (with a coordinated drawstring bag) for any sewer… I would love to receive them, sadly I don't know anyone who may think to make them for me, in my “real” life!!

Try with this tutorial, if you've never created a pouch to be filled… it's for my easy heat pad but, working on different measurements (I would make them narrower), you can make great pattern weights with it!

Interested in more Pattern weights DIY?

Hi! I'm Irene "MammaNene" and I blog about anything sewing on Serger Pepper. I love designing my own patterns, I have a thing for refashions and I am Pinterest addicted! My favorite sewing muse is my almost 6 years old daughter... but sometimes I sew for me too!

I’ve used 2 of the large washers glued together as one, as a pattern weight for nearly 40 years. They aren’t cute or decorated but serve the purpose. I have a whole bunch of them, just tied together with a piece of faux leather thru the holes to keep them together in the drawer.

I think washers are the most used weights, but your idea is new to me and really smart! There is always something wandering in my drawers, organizing is a must!
Thanks for sharing, Karl!
Irene
Serger Pepper

I use washers, ones that are the size of the palm of my hand. I picked them up at the hardware store for less than $2 each. I have four. Sometimes I wish I had smaller ones. I still may get a couple littler ones for skinnier patterns, but for now, these work great.

Yes, Kerry, I agree: huge washers are perfect for this purpose and really cost-effective!
I am not sure that the smaller one would work great, because of their reduced weight… Maybe you can hunt small but heavy objects around your house, think it like a non-conventional easter egg-hunt 😉

I actually really like the idea of the magnetic 2-piece ones! Part of the reason I’ve never really used pattern weights much is because they move around when cutting the fabric. This way the pattern would stay positioned better! Great roundup, Irene! 🙂 Lisa

I use the larger size glass gems that my daughter and I had painted the flat side of at some point in the past with the intention of turning into magnets. I found them in a ziploc bag waiting for the magnet to be added and decided I liked them better as fabric weights. The cute little designs make me happy. I need to commission more!

Search this site

Welcome to So Sew Easy

We are delighted that you found your way to So Sew Easy! We are here to inspire you, guide you and also learn with you. Please support this site by buying your Craftsy classes and products through THIS LINK.

Huge fabric shops directory

If you see a pattern or project on this site you like and want to share with your readers, that's great! But please do not reproduce or copy this content on your own site. You may use one or two photos and please link back to the original post on So Sew Easy. Thank you.